Braving the cyclone: Going to Gozo

As the rain poured down in the Maltese afternoon, the streets turned into rivers and streams. Rainwater overwhelmed the sewer system; manhole covers gave up trying to hold back the torrents that flowed underneath. Instead, the water bubbled up creating small geysers. My flatmates questioned the sanity of trying to catch the ferry to Gozo in the middle of a whirling cyclone. While the idea seemed questionable, I was committed and would only be swayed to take an umbrella with me as scant protection against Mother Nature’s rage. The private bus sped through the streets throwing rooster tails behind it and splashing the sidewalks on its left. People huddled in doorways looking for a break in the weather so they could scamper to the next shelter on the way to their final destinations of dry warmth. Debris laid in the road reducing the two lanes to one. Drivers took advantage of each other allowing traffic to flow in only one direction. It was only when there was a break in the line of cars that we were able to continue forward though the howling wind and rain that left streetlights without power and caused palm tree leaves to bow down as if royalty was passing. No one would be turned back. The only hurdle left to overcome was the ferry schedule itself. Rumors flew, and people said that the ferry had canceled its earlier route but would make a run in the eye of the storm. When the weather calmed, we boarded the boat. The seas roiled and rocked leaving passengers to rely on wits and balance to keep from being thrown into each other as the unpredictable movement came without warning and without pattern. We arrived at Gozo – late, wet and joyful. Soon we would eat, drink and enjoy the Island of Gozo.Bella Vista FarmhousesDwejra bay: Azure Window, Fungus Rock, Inland SeaBasilica of Ta' Pinu and CittadellaGelato at XlendiThe magic of Calypso at Ramla Bay